Burner - Iron - Dragon Phoenix Censer
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Japanese Nanbu Tekki cast iron dragon and phoenix censer serving as an incense burner and decorative ashtray, 19.5 cm diameter, 5 cm high, about 1.23 kg, with a pierced openwork lid and a lotus-centered design, inscribed base reading 渡欧記念 1965.10.18, showing natural rust and patina and overall good condition.
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Description from the seller
Item Description
This piece is a substantial incense burner crafted in the traditional Japanese craft of **Nanbu Tekki** (Nanbu ironware) from the Tōhoku region of Japan, and is also designed to serve as a decorative lidded ashtray. The shallow, wide bowl-shaped body is paired with a pierced openwork lid, creating a design through which smoke rises elegantly from the openwork holes in the lid when used as an incense burner.
The surface features intricate patterns of dragons and phoenixes rendered in high relief, depicted with great dynamism against a background of swirling and cloud motifs. At the centre of the lid is a lotus-shaped design, surrounded by three cloud-shaped openwork apertures.
The base bears the inscription **"渡欧記念 1965.10.18"** (Commemoration of Travel to Europe, 18 October 1965), along with the name of the previous owner and what appears to be a maker's or workshop mark (seal), though this has proven difficult to decipher and has not been definitively identified.
The piece measures approximately 19.5 cm in diameter, 5 cm in height, and weighs approximately 1.23 kg, with the solid, weighty feel characteristic of Nanbu Tekki cast ironware.
Condition
Natural rust, oxidation, and changes in patina consistent with age and use are present. Visual inspection reveals no significant cracks or losses to the cast iron body; however, no functional testing has been carried out regarding its practical use as an incense burner or ashtray.
Additional Information
Origin: Japan · Nanbu Tekki (traditional craft from the area of Iwate Prefecture)
Material: Cast iron (Nanbu iron)
Period: Inscribed as a commemoration of travel to Europe in 1965 (Shōwa 40)
Inscriptions: Base bears "渡欧記念 1965.10.18", the previous owner's name, and a maker's/workshop mark that is difficult to read
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateItem Description
This piece is a substantial incense burner crafted in the traditional Japanese craft of **Nanbu Tekki** (Nanbu ironware) from the Tōhoku region of Japan, and is also designed to serve as a decorative lidded ashtray. The shallow, wide bowl-shaped body is paired with a pierced openwork lid, creating a design through which smoke rises elegantly from the openwork holes in the lid when used as an incense burner.
The surface features intricate patterns of dragons and phoenixes rendered in high relief, depicted with great dynamism against a background of swirling and cloud motifs. At the centre of the lid is a lotus-shaped design, surrounded by three cloud-shaped openwork apertures.
The base bears the inscription **"渡欧記念 1965.10.18"** (Commemoration of Travel to Europe, 18 October 1965), along with the name of the previous owner and what appears to be a maker's or workshop mark (seal), though this has proven difficult to decipher and has not been definitively identified.
The piece measures approximately 19.5 cm in diameter, 5 cm in height, and weighs approximately 1.23 kg, with the solid, weighty feel characteristic of Nanbu Tekki cast ironware.
Condition
Natural rust, oxidation, and changes in patina consistent with age and use are present. Visual inspection reveals no significant cracks or losses to the cast iron body; however, no functional testing has been carried out regarding its practical use as an incense burner or ashtray.
Additional Information
Origin: Japan · Nanbu Tekki (traditional craft from the area of Iwate Prefecture)
Material: Cast iron (Nanbu iron)
Period: Inscribed as a commemoration of travel to Europe in 1965 (Shōwa 40)
Inscriptions: Base bears "渡欧記念 1965.10.18", the previous owner's name, and a maker's/workshop mark that is difficult to read
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
A Japanese living in Japan, I appreciate traditional and modern art.
I specialize in selecting artworks that reflect quiet strength, refined beauty, and timeless craftsmanship of Japanese culture. My collection focuses on pieces that carry a story—whether traditional ukiyo‑e prints, contemporary works inspired by wabi‑sabi aesthetics, or handcrafted items created by regional artisans.
With years of experience working closely with artists, studios, and collectors across Japan, I take pride in offering works that are both visually compelling and culturally meaningful. Every item is carefully curated for authenticity, condition, and artistic value, ensuring that bidders can participate with confidence.
My goal is to connect international collectors with the richness of Japanese artistry—pieces that bring harmony, character, and a touch of Japan’s spirit into your home.
I look forward to sharing these works with you and hope they inspire the same appreciation and joy they bring to me :)
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Dragon Phoenix Censer
Number of objects
1
Style
Vintage
Material
Iron
Country of origin
Japan
Colour
Brown
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
5 cm
Width
19.5 cm
Depth
19.5 cm
Estimated period
1900-2000
